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Showing posts with label #Regency. Show all posts
Showing posts with label #Regency. Show all posts

Monday, March 13, 2023

Half a Soul by Olivia Atwater

This story of Dora who has lost half her soul to a fairy and as such has little emotions is captivating.  It takes place in regency times only in this version of the world; there are fairies and actual magic, and ways to go between the more mundane world and the faerie realm.  Olivia does a beautiful job of writing a fantasy that shows the struggles of women and the poor as well as the stifling nature of expectations for men and women to marry. 

Half a Soul is easy to get lost in, the characters and scenes are well-written and the ending is satisfying. This book has a complete resolution and a far-reaching epilogue.  That being said there is another book to come from this universe. When the character for the second book is introduced briefly in this book, you'll know that is who will be the main character in this upcoming book. 

This book has one of the best declarations of love that I've read in ages, I don't think it spoils the book to share it, so see it below: 

5 stars, a book worth reading! 





 

Sunday, July 24, 2022

When He Was Wicked

 

This is the sixth book in the Bridgerton series. Did I enjoy it?  Not as much as some of the other books. I think the part where Francesca can't decide about getting remarried goes on too long. If you like some decent sex scenes, I think this has more than some of the other books in this series. I did appreciate that unlike many other historical romances set in Regency England the MCs in this story are not virgins and they are working through grief, these are themes I typically enjoy, but for whatever reason I just wasn't that into this book. I think the part I like the most when Violet was on the scene. 

Like where is a romance for Violet. That's what I want to read, I know she doesn't want to get remarried, but... 
Anywho this is a 3 star book for me. It's fine. 

Have you read this one? I also saw today a synopsis of what we can expect on season three of Bridgerton which will be Penelope & Colins story and it seems to be a big departure from the books. Which is OK, I'll watch it either way, I look forward to seeing it. I hope that Lady Danbury still plays a big part in the season. She's great! 

Tuesday, January 19, 2021

Breakfast For Dinner Vegetarian Edition and A #Romance Review

 


This is a meal I came up with because I wanted to hold off grocery shopping for one more day.  Slim pickings welcomed me when I opened the refrigerator.  Here is what I came up with- I sliced four potatoes into circles, seasoned them, and threw them in the oven to bake.  Then in a medium-sized iron skillet, I sauteed sliced red bell pepper, a shallot, and the last of a package of mushrooms.   
While that was cooking I minced four cloves of garlic in a large iron skillet with a tbsp of oil.  Then I added a jar of salsa and once that was simmering I cracked six eggs on top of the salsa and then I covered the eggs to cook. When they were poached I turned off the eggs. Then I mixed the potatoes with the vegetables, scooped out eggs and salsa, and topped everything with green onions. It was delicious; a nice meal you could have any time of day.  
After finishing his plate the Hubs said, "That was good, now what's for dinner?" 
I said, "That was dinner."
 He said, "I don't eat eggs for dinner."  
So I said: "You do now."

And now on to a Romance Review!


I got an ARC (Advanced Reading Copy) of this book from Netgalley and as always the opinions are all mine.  This was my first time reading Amalie Howard and it won't be my last!  In fact, I just found out this is actually the second book in a series.  This does make sense as when you read this book Isobel has a sister named Astrid who is deliriously happy with her beloved husband. The series is called Everleigh Sisters and I am not sure who might be written about in book three but it's a must-read series for me! 

Now on to "The Rakehell of Roth," the book is named in reference to Winter Vance, Marquess of Roth and this is a dual POV book so we do spend plenty of time in his head, but make no mistake this book is Isobel's story. 

I completely enjoyed this book, Isobel is a strong character who doesn't give up even though her Husband has built up some very high walls around his emotions and is really good at self-sabotage.  Even though this is the Regency Period this book is filled with consent and the women are not ashamed about the pleasure sex gives. 

Each chapter of the book begins with a quote from Lady Darcy which is an advice column written for women and read throughout London during the book.  To give you a taste of what those columns are like here is a quote: "Sometimes, Dearest Friend, white knights are overrated. Be the storm in the night and stage your own rescue." *   Wow right?  That's what this book delivers- empowerment and great sex!  

This book is a very satisfying read.  If you like romance, but don't read much Historical Romance, I say give this one a go, I think you'll really enjoy it. 

* The quote I used was from the Advanced Reader Copy so the text might change again before the final publication- but I wanted to share an example of Lady Darcy's advice because it was so delightful. 

#TheRakehellofRoth #NetGalley